The City of Redlands is inviting all adult residents to participate in its annual National Community Survey through Aug. 26, offering feedback on city services, quality of life and future priorities.
Trustees debated legal concerns, which student records should trigger parent notifications and whether parents should opt in or opt out before directing staff to refine the policy.
The City of Redlands and the Redlands Conservancy have installed new fire safety awareness signs at trail entrances in Live Oak Canyon and San Timoteo Canyon to help visitors stay prepared during wildfire season.
REDLANDS, Calif. —The Redlands City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to advance a new ordinance that would allow residents in most single-family neighborhoods to keep hens, expanding rules that currently limit chicken keeping to select rural and estate residential zones.
Why it matters: The change responds to growing interest in backyard chicken keeping and would legalize hens in many Redlands neighborhoods while adding updated standards aimed at preventing noise and sanitation problems.
Key details: The ordinance expands where hens are allowed to most single-family residential zones, including specific plan areas.
Sets limits based on lot size:
No hens allowed on lots under 4,000 square feet
Up to 3 hens on lots 4,000–7,200 sq. ft.
Larger lots could keep more, up to nine hens maximum per property
Requires a minimum 10-foot by 20-foot outdoor open yard area.
Requires coops and related structures to be:
5 feet from side and rear property lines
15 feet from street side setbacks
10 feet from the main residence
Clarifies no Animal Services permit would be required.
Allows incidental egg sales but prohibits slaughtering chickens on residential properties.
Council discussion: Mayor Pro Tem Marc Shaw asked whether the city should require a no-fee registration system to track backyard chickens in case of a bird flu outbreak. Staff said the administrative burden outweighed the benefit and said complaints could be handled through standard enforcement.
Shaw also asked staff to confirm that incidental egg sales would comply with California Department of Food and Agriculture regulations. Staff said similar allowances already exist in other parts of the city and said they would ensure compliance.
Council member Paul Barich noted the ordinance allows for hens and rabbits but not roosters, citing noise concerns.
No public comments were made, and the city clerk reported no written comments were received.
The council voted 5-0 to introduce Ordinance No. 2999 and approve Resolution No. 8747. The ordinance is expected to return for a final vote at the next City Council meeting before it can take effect.
A former broadcast news producer, Stephanie launched CFR in 2023. Originally from Michigan, she’s made Redlands home with her husband and three kids. When she’s not reporting, she’s problem-solving at the climbing gym or trying new local restaurants.